In the United States, April 15 ranks up there as one of the worst days of the year. Tax Day. The day by which everyone must file their individual income tax returns to the federal government. Bye bye, money.
In an effort to lessen the blow, many businesses offer freebies or discounts on and around April 15. They're all chain restaurants, of course, but every little bit helps, right?
Now who wants a cookie?
Arby's You want fries with that W2? Arby's is offering a free Snack-Sized Curly Fry on April 15 at all Arby's locations. Visit the website to print a coupon.
Boston Market "At Boston Market, we know that our guests appreciate a good value for great quality food, especially during a time like tax season," said George Michel (a.k.a. "The Big Chicken"), CEO of Boston Market, in a press release. "While no one enjoys 1040 forms, our 2 for $10.40 deal provides delicious meals at an affordable price, and that's something our guests can feel good about this Tax Day." The fast-casual chain is offering two rotisserie half-chicken meals, each with two home-style sides and cornbread, at all locations, without a coupon.
Corner Bakery Cafe Get a free cup of coffee with the purchase of any breakfast item at Corner Bakery Cafe on Tax Day using this coupon.
Einstein Bros. Bagels Get 25 percent off any purchase at the bagel emporium with this coupon, valid through April 15.
Great American Cookies Great American Cookies tweeted, "Refund or not, you deserve a cookie on #TaxDay." Amen to that. Stop by the shop on April 15 for a free chocolate chip cookie.
Hard Rock Cafe Houston The day after Tax Day, (April 16), Hard Rock Cafe Houston is inviting guests to "sing for their supper" to get a free dinner entree from the restaurant's new menu. Any brave soul who sings an entire song by themselves on the mic in front of their fellow diners will be granted the deal.
McDonald's
As it does every year, the chain will be offering free small coffees during breakfast on April 15. We predict accountants will be all over that deal.
UPDATE: McDonald's ended the coffee promotion on April 13. Sorry, folks.
The Melting Pot This is pretty cheesy. On April 15, whisper the words, "cheese me, please" to your server at The Melting Pot and get 15 percent off your total bill. You will also lose 15 percent of your dignity.
Orange Leaf Get approximately 50 percent off your order at Orange Leaf with the fill-your-cup-for-$4.15 deal. That's right: All the yogurt and toppings you can fit in your cup will cost only $4.15 on April 15.
Papa Murphy's On Tax Day, score a large one-topping pizza and a "Faves Pizza" (usually $5) for only $10.40 in honor of that annoying 1040 form.
Pinkberry The good deals at Pinkberry last through April 20. Bring in a Pinkberry receipt from the previous day now through Sunday and get 50 percent off any size frozen yogurt.
RA Sushi Both RA Sushi locations in Houston will be extending happy hour on Tax Day. It usually ends at 7 p.m., but on April 15, happy hour will run from 3 p.m. to close. Drink up!
Schlotzsky's No coupon required. Just purchase a 32-ounce drink and chips on April 15, and you'll get a free small "The Original" sandwich from any Schlotzsky's across the country.
Sonic Happy hour all day! From open to close on April 15, the drive-up fast food joint will be offering half-priced drinks. Cherry limeade, here I come.
Sprinkles Cupcakes If you're really into making a fool of yourself, whisper "tax free" as you're checking out at Sprinkles Cupcakes for a free cupcake with any purchase. We're assuming this won't work at the cupcake vending machine, but give it a shot.